2 charged after Edmonton police recover 12 stolen vehicles

Edmonton police say they’ve recently recovered 12 vehicles that have been reported stolen in the province, and two people have been charged.

EPS says on July 17, a 2003 GMC Sierra that had been reported stolen was seen near 109 Avenue and 143 Street. Police recovered it and an investigation lef to three other vehicles, including a Lexus RX350.

On July 18, EPS was notified by RCMP that a 2023 Jeep Gladiator had been stolen in Red Deer. EPS was later able to find that vehicle, which also led to seven other vehicles being recovered, including three more Lexus SUVs.

“While a variety of vehicle models were recovered, three of the 12 vehicles were notably Lexus RX350 models and one was a Lexus NX300, which is consistent with ongoing thefts related to this particular brand of vehicle,” says A/Sgt. Tyler Watt, of EPS TRAP Team.

“We would like to remind all vehicle owners of this concerning trend and ask that protective measures including removing all valuables from your vehicle, parking in well-lit and secure parking areas or garages and using additional safety features like a steering wheel locks when possible.”

EPS says as a result of the vehicle seizures on July 17, 46-year-old Craig Taylor and 43-year-old Marie Sime was charged with theft of a motor vehicle and possession of stolen property over $5,000. Sime is also facing a charge for possession of a controlled substance.

EPS says an investigation is on-going, and if anyone has any information, contact investigators at 780-423-4567 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.